Nike Kobe 9 Elite INSPIRATION | Another Look

Despite Kobe’s current injury status keeping him off the floor for the Lakers, the Nike Kobe 9 Elite Inspiration releases this weekend at Nike Basketball accounts, the most team-oriented colorway of Beef’s latest shoe that we’ve seen thus far.

Inspired by Bryant’s legendary career in Los Angeles — by the blood, sweat and tears that he’s poured into the Lakers franchise — the shoe contrasts black elements with striking gold and yellow in the Flyknit, grabbing the eye while deftly tying into LA’s home gold uniforms. Marbled grey overlays lend a luxury look, while the shoe’s red heel-sutures stand in stark contrast to every other color on the silhouette, an homage to Kobe’s recent Achilles injury.

In addition to hitting shelves this weekend at retailers including Social Status, the “Inspiration” is the first colorway that Beef will wear upon returning to the court this season.